1994 Volvo 440 DL B18U from Netherlands

Summary:

Faults:

General Comments:

The front & grille have been inspired by the 850, making this phase II 440 look quite stylish.

I was quite surprised by the levels of comfort, despite the car having a non-independent rear-axle.

Fuel consumption, if driven at moderate speeds, is low. At 90 km/h it consumes 5.6L per 100 km (or 50 miles to the imperial gallon).

The B18U (1800cc mono-point injection) engine is no speed-demon, but has plenty of torque right where you need it (max torque at 2500 rpm).

Very easy to upgrade, as most of the necessary wiring (for add-ons like fog lights, rev-counter etc.) is already in place.

Having previously owned a Citroen 2CV, I cannot over-stress the sensation of safety this car provides.

As I have not driven this car for very long, I cannot clearly anticipate the maintenance costs. But given that the car came with full service history and no failures have yet come to light, I assume this car - if serviced regularly - will not confront me with unpleasant surprises.

1994 Volvo 440 Li 1.8i Renault petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

For the £700 I paid for it, a great car al-round

Faults:

Two days after purchasing the car (In April 2002) the exhaust collapsed, resulting in me having to get a front pipe, middle section, and back box, fortunately for me I work in the trade and the exhaust only cost me £30 for fitting. Radiator is leaking. Car is currently sitting at 155505 miles and seems to be running great.

General Comments:

The car has great looks and can get you out of trouble in a hurry, I've had a big grin on my face many times passing stupid boys in their parents cars.

Handles corners without any problems.

Very economical if driven sensibly, I don't drive it sensibly due to the car asking you to press the accelerator.

5th Sep 2002, 00:00

I bought by 440 1.8 SE, 21 months ago. Its the MK II, re-styled (if such a word exists for it). The MK II has many improvements, and looks a little less dated than the MK I.

Its got 81k on it, after I have added 23k to it. Its been reliable, and the volvo dealer locally has been very helpful (bits can be expensive, but there are a surprising number about), although you can DIY most things to keep the cost down. A lot are not dealer serviced after the warranty period as it is difficult to justify the expense. If it is DIY'd make sure its been done when it should have been.

Be careful of the gear linkages. Mine is getting very imprecise. Rust. Check it carefully. It has heavy steering without PAS. Got a misfire when cold under moderate acceleration when cold? Put some new spark plugs in it. My engine runs very lean (not my settings!) and after 8k it has a slight misfire when cold. The single point injection system on the 1.8 will show dodgy plugs up, due to the systems nature. Clutch cables prone to failure. If replacing the timing belt, its worth doing the auxiliary drive belt while you can. They are not that expensive. The belts are a 2 hour job.

I did have handling problems, but removing the cheap rubbish tyres that were on it, and putting some Continental's on it has improved it beyond recognition. It now goes around corner and stops in the wet.

The engines are not revving machines. Treat it more like a diesel and its nice and very torquey in the low to mid range. Can be a handful in the wet when making a swift get away.

Mine had a very careful 1st owner, and never properly ran in at 58k, and it hampered its fuel economy. On a run on the motorway cruising at 70, it will give 45mpg. Around town I get 30 odd.

Handling is not bad, but with a wider wheel it might be better (6J as opposed to the more common 5.5J). As said many times, its built like a tank, and is fairly heavy.

It won't break any fashion or speed records, but if you respect it when you drive it, service it on a regular basis (or it will not agree with you) it can be a safe, practical means from getting from A to B, with minimum fuss.